Military Coup in Thailand

Relocating internationally has many challenges for an assignee and any accompanying family members. From housing and utilities to understanding local values and customs, these problems can seem insurmountable at times. For assignees going to and already in Thailand, this process just got a lot more complicated.

Effective 4:30 pm on May 22, the Royal Thai Army announced it has taken control of the administration, making the military coup official. Initially on the morning of 20 May, after years of unrest between the government and the opposition movement, the Royal Thai Army declared martial law on the nation of nearly 68 million. The military insisted at that time that the move to martial law was not a coup, but rather an intervention to “preserve order and bring back peacefulness.”

Thailand has seen months of political turmoil as well as the May 7 ousting of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The interim administration is also navigating turbulent waters including threats from anti-government protestors to remove the cabinet from office.

Foreign embassies in Thailand have stated that caution should be exercised. Expats should stay abreast of announcements and updates from their local consulate. There is a 10 pm to 5 am curfew and expats are being advised to avoid areas where there could be protests or even public gatherings.

Currently, the air in Thailand remains calm. Outside of the curfew, the daily lives of the people have been relatively unaffected. Schools, businesses, and tourist attractions are operating as usual.